Five Stones

12th Nov 2017 |
Malayalam

Five Stones

There are five types of stones that a believer encounters in his life.

1. Stone at Luz

Gen 28.11: And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

Jacob was all alone that night. He did not have the company of his parents, friends, spouse or even servants. It was the dead of night, and sounds of wild animals could be heard. Jacob was likely terrified. It is here that God appeared and gave him a vision.

Every believer goes through the state of loneliness. But just when you feel you are all alone, God comes looking for you right there. Do not fear for I am with you, God tells lonely souls.

Evangelist Dr Billy Graham once mentioned that our present age is the loneliest century. This is the time with greatest population, but there is even greater loneliness within people. Many turn to drugs, alcohol or cheap entertainment to fill this up.

God declares that there will be a change in this situation of lonely despair as you claim the His presence.

2. Stone of the Eastern place

Gen 29.10 : And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.
The second stone is the stone of the eastern place. Gen 29.1: Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.This is the stone of disbelief that needs to be rolled away.

When Jacob arrived, many shepherds were sitting by the stone that covered a well. Jacob exhorts them to give water to the sheep and take them to pasture. But the shepherds respond that are waiting for the rest so that all together can roll the stone away.

Some shepherds, like the ones in this passage, are not interested in feeding their flock. They are tired of the routine. However God’s spirit speaks that within the church, there will be no shortage of water or bread. There will be the revival of the Holy Spirit: a supernatural anointing that will flow like a river within the churches of India. If you have thirst, God will fill you to overflowing.

As the shepherds sat around passively, Jacob jumps up and rolls away this stone all by himself!

The reason being that he saw Rachel — his blessing, his partner, what God had kept for him — coming. Realise that the time of fulfilment of God’s promises over you is near.
Don’t wait for your blessings — your ‘Rachel’ — to come before you roll away the stone. The believer rolls away the stone even as he sees the blessing come from afar.
The stone of the eastern place is one that stands between you and your blessing. You may think that you are too weak to roll it away, but remember that God has given you the authority. Luk 10.19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. In faith, roll away all the stones standing between you and your blessing, through prayer and fasting.

3. Stone of Mizpah

Gen 31.45,46: And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

Twenty years after Jacob reached Laban’s house, he leaves without telling Laban. However he takes only what is rightfully his: his wives Leah and Rachel, his children and flocks. On the third day, Laban realises that they’d left. Angry and bitter, he chases them down.

One night Laban draws close to Jacob, so much so that they could see Jacob’s tents. But the very same night God appears before Laban and warns him against harming Jacob.

Gen 31.24: And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

‘Mizpah’ means that God is a watch-tower between us. God intervened for Jacob when Jacob was not even aware of the danger! Our God is one who works for you even when you are not aware of it. He knows when to intervene for you and when to speak for you.

Laban came to take what rightfully belonged to Jacob, but he couldn’t.No one can withhold what is rightfully ours. Be it ministry, healing or the blessing of generations, God intervenes and works for you as you persist in prayer and fasting.

4. Stone of Bethel

Gen 35.14: And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

This is a stone much-needed for a believer: a stone to remember what God has said over your life.

All through Genesis 32, Jacob was in a wrestling match with the divine. Finally, he gets a new name and a new identity. Gen 32.28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. In Gen 35, Jacob sets up a stone where God spoke to him.

The speciality of the stone of Bethel, is that it shows God can change your life. Jacob turned into Israel. Simon, a simple-minded fisherman turned into Peter, an apostle who entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

In Christ, you are no longer weak, but strong. Not a sinner but redeemed by His blood. You are a child of God, an heir to the promises of God in Christ Jesus.

There might be times when you doubt if you are really a believer. But continue to trust Him for your victories. As he had delivered you in the past, God can change your circumstance and bring about the impossible.

Keep this stone in front of you to remember the change he did in you. Write down the promises God has given you. Write down the prophesies over yourself, your family and children. Write it down and stay steadfast in prayer.

In 1 Samuel, David narrates to Saul how he saves his sheep from lions. 1 Samuel 17.34: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

If the young David in his anointing could smite a mighty lion to save his sheep, how much more will our God deliver us from the snare of the enemy!

David saved his sheep not only from lions, but also from bears. A bear attacks by hitting the prey’s head and eating the brain. Some believers face bear-attack on their heads. That is when they are overwhelmed with doubts and muddled thinking. Just as David overcame the bear, our God delivers us too. May there be clarity and cohesion in your mind.

God can bring about change through divine deliverance. Believe that today is the day of your deliverance.

5. Stone of Zelzah

Gen 35.20: And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

The pillar upon Rachel’s grave is a stone of fore-warning.

Rachel was meant to reach Bethlehem but she didn’t. She stole the heathen gods of her father Laban, without Jacob’s knowledge. Even when Laban enquired, she made an excuse and covered up her act.

Years later, the prophet Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel then instructs him to go to Rachel’s grave. 1 Sam 10.2: When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

But Saul did not heed the warning held forth by the pillar upon Rachel’s grave. He falls into the same trap: he disobeys, goes before a witch and contests God.

Do not get trapped in the ploys of the devil. Do not get entangled in sooth saying or star gazing, immoral activity or a wrong relationship. God will satisfy you will long life, but nothing of the devil should be found on you or any aspect of your life. Submit yourself to God and reach where you are meant to reach.

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